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Donald Trump survives assassination attempt; Michigan reacts

Former President Donald Trump was whisked from a rally stage in Pennsylvania on Saturday after a series of pops were heard. Trump appeared to have blood on his face, but his campaign says he is fine. (Screenshot)
July 13, 2024
Jordyn Hermani (Email)
Michigan Government
2024 U.S. presidential election, 2024 Michigan election
Bridge Michigan
Bridge Michigan
Michigan Government
Donald Trump survives assassination attempt; Michigan reacts
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  • Donald Trump rushed off-stage after apparent assassination attempt during Pennsylvania rally
  • The former president and presumptive GOP nominee is 'fine,' campaign says
  • Michigan officials offer prayers, condemnations of political violence

LANSING — A broad array of Michigan officials condemned political violence Saturday night after former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump is "fine" and was being treated at a local medical facility after the shooting, according to his campaign. 

One rally attendee was killed, however, as was the gunman, according to the Associated Press, which reported that law enforcement is investigating the shooting as a suspected assassination attempt.

Trump was ushered off stage shortly after 6 p.m. following the attack and the event immediately ended. Shortly after, condemnations of the incident began pouring in from officials across the state and country. 

“Pray for President Trump and America,” Michigan GOP chair Pete Hoekstra wrote on social media.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a harsh Trump critic and co-chair of President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, wrote on X that “this is not how we solve our differences.

“I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately,” wrote Whitmer. 

“This has no place in America,” said Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain.

It’s reportedly the first time since 1981, when President Ronald Reagan was shot outside a hotel in Washington D.C., there has been a public attempt to kill a president or former president in the United States.

Photos and video from the event appeared to show blood on the side of Trump’s head after popping sounds rang out. The former president and presumptive Republican nominee for president this year raised his fist after Secret Service agents rushed him off stage during the rally, which was held in Butler, Pennsylvania.

In a message posted on his Truth Social media site at 8:42 p.m., Trump offered a brief description of the shooting, saying he “heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”

He thanked law enforcement and members of the Secret Service for their “rapid response.” He also offered condolences to those injured or killed in the shooting.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” he wrote.

In live remarks delivered shortly after 8:15 p.m., President Joe Biden — who is running for reelection against Trump — condemned the attack and said he was attempting to reach Trump by phone.

"There's no place in America for this kind of violence," Biden said. "Sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. 

“We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this,” he added. “Everybody must condemn this. Everybody.”

Michigan officials offered a series of comments on the shooting as details began to emerge Saturday evening. Here are some of their responses:

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